Social Housing – New European Projects Opening

Across Europe, a new generation of architecture practices are transforming affordable housing. Responding to continued need, changing clients, and new funding methods, architects are once again addressing how homes can be delivered at scale while piloting new methods to achieve high standards of design.

Based on a 2017 publication of the same name, Social Housing captures some of the best and most innovative examples of not-for-profit housing at a critical juncture for the sector. Drawing together 25 European case studies by 20 practices, it looks at a range of building and dwelling typologies, emerging design approaches, and refurbishment strategies. Together, they offer a challenge to housing professionals and citizens in the US to rethink how we build and highlights the vital role of accessible, low-cost housing in the life and function of our cities.

Across Europe there is no common definition of ‘social housing;’ the projects presented include public projects led by government or city authorities, philanthropic schemes led by charities, and collective schemes led by residents. Common to them all, however, is the idea that there are alternatives to purely market-orientated housing provision. Our brave new housing future will not be born out of siding with any single ideology or ethos, but rather through a variety of means and a shared determination by those willing and able to innovate, to improve, and to raise standards.